Afro Disco from Master Ghanaian Drummer, Okyerema Asante
The migration of Ghanaian drummers to the west can be traced back to the legendary Guy “Kofi Ghanaba” Warren, where - in the 1950s - he played alongside such jazz greats as Charlie Parker, Theolonius Monk, and John Coltrane. Though rarely acknowledged, his presence on the new york jazz scene - a more subdued version of Chano Pozo’s afro-cuban influence - contributed to the afrocentric sentiments found in jazz post-his arrival. The impact left a lasting impression on future generations of musicians. Most notably, 70s rock drummers.
Ginger Baker, of Cream fame, kicked off the trend in 1971, when he traveled to Nigeria and jammed with a host of Nigerian musicians, resulting in a recorded collaboration with Fela Kuti. In 1980, it was Mick Fleetwood’s turn. Armed with his own recording equipment, Fleetwood went to Ghana and produced his 1981 album, The Visitor, at the legendary Ghana Film studios. One of the several Ghanaian musicians he enlisted for the project was a young drummer by the name of Okyerema Asante.
Asante got his start with the Afro-rock outfit, Hedzoleh Soundz in the early 70s. After spending some time working under famed nightclub owner/promoter, Fiasal Helwani, he branched out and went on to play a contributing role in painting the musical african soundscape that permeated the 1980s rock scene. He recorded and toured the world with Paul Simon for his seminal “Graceland” album, and rejoined Mick Fleetwood in 1987 for another world tour with Fleetwood Mac.
As many side musicians do, Asante tried his hand at a solo career. The recording featured here is from 1980, and starts off with one of the toughest afro-disco songs to come out of Ghana. As we’ve stated before, recordings like these represent the potential direction Ghanaian pop music would’ve gone if it were not for the curfews and coups that destroyed Ghanaian nightlife. And, judging from Asante’s musical and fashion aesthetic, it is also slightly indicative of the premier Ghanaian afro-disco outfit, Osibisa’s, ever-lasting influence on Ghanaian musicians themselves.
An abbreviated version of the song, enittled “Sibi,” popped up on the ambiguous 2003 Disc ‘O’ Lyso compilation. Today we’re happy to present the song - clocking in at just under 14 minutes - in its full glory.
Okyerema Asante - Sabi 12”inch Single